Manchester Introduction

Manchester, home of many a great band and musician, such as Badly Drawn Boy, Doves, Elbow, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, The Verve and the list goes on. It is also famed for its footie team, of course, Manchester United Football Club. Situated in northwest England, it is the United Kingdom’s second city after its capital, London and the location of the world’s very first passenger train station which opened in 1830. It is also the site of the country’s oldest public reading room, Chetham’s Library and boasts both cultural and historical appeal making it one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.

Manchester is somewhat of a city of festivals, hosting several throughout the year, some of which are well worth planning your visit around, such as the biennial Manchester International Festival. The arts event occurs in the month of July focusing on new performers and has gained huge momentum since it first started in 2007. Other popular annual gatherings, include the summertime Manchester Jazz Festival and autumn’s Manchester Literature Featival and Manchester Science Festival.

There are two symphony orchestras in the city, namely BBC Philharmonic and Hallé should you wish to attend a concert. Both can be found within Bridgewater Hall with the latter also home to several choirs ranging from children’s to adult. For an assortment of ballets, concerts, musicals and even pantomimes during the Christmas period, head to Manchester Opera House along Quay Street where you’ll come across its magnificent façade, a Grade II listed building.

Visit Manchester Museum which displays an astonishing 4.5 million objects relating to anthropology, archaeology and natural history. Owned by the University of Manchester, it is the site of an impressive array of exhibits ranging from archery to botany, and earth sciences to entomology, with bird, coral, mammal, and mollusc exhibits to add to the mix.

Manchester is full of shopping opportunities, for example along Market Street where you’ll find an extensive range of high street retailers along the thoroughfare itself, in addition to the indoor shopping arcade of Arndale Centre. If you want to splash out on designer labels, Cross Street and King Street are ideal where you’ll also find the department stores of Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. The Trafford Centre is a massive mall that has all any shopaholic could wish for under one roof with plenty of dining and entertainment options to boot.

Salford Quays used to be the location of the former Manchester Docks, which closed in 1982 but is now full of restaurants and retailers, as well as the performing arts venue known as The Lowry. You’ll also find the Imperial War Museum North here, part of the Imperial War Museum, it examines the results of modern conflict upon civilisation.

Manchester Travel Guides

Manchester, the 'capital of the north', is one of England's most happening cities owing to rampant redevelopment following a devastating IRA bomb in the 1990s. Home to Manchester United Football Club, Oasis and Rolls Royce, Manchester was the world's first industrial city and today boasts many fine attractions and some great shopping and nightlife. more...

Manchester has had an explosion in eateries of late, in part owing to the redevelopment of much of the city centre after the IRA bombing, but also due to its multicultural make up. Everything is available, from good English food and fast-food burger and chicken chains to excellent Chinese, Indian and French fare. more...

Selfridges Winter Sale: running from the end of December and into January, this popular clothes sale by one of the nation’s most popular department stores features four weeks of quality bargains in men's and ladies’ designer labels. more...

Get among the stalls in Manchester's markets. Visit fruit'n veg stalls, where snacks and fresh fish can be had or opt for the total market experience with clothing, electronics, music, furniture, antiques, and general bric-a-brac. more...

Located to the south of Manchester right on the M56 motorway, Manchester International Airport, one of the UK's most popular, is gateway to the north of England and receives flights from destinations the world over.

Flights come in from all over Europe including those from major flag carriers as well as with low-cost airlines, while flights also come in from Asian, African, American and Australasian destinations. If you find yourself in London, there are regular flights daily to Manchester with several useful carriers. more...

With its large Indian and Chinese communities, English is not the only language to be heard on the streets of Manchester, although, of course, everyone speaks English. The Mancunian accent is quite discernible and has a distinct twang when compared with other climes of northern England and it will take some getting used to at first. more...